Search
shop

Paralympic silver medalist Lauren Parker comes full circle in Kona

Lauren Parker set a new world record for the women's hand cycle at the IRONMAN World Championships
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lauren Parker set a new world record last night for the women’s hand cycle IRONMAN at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii as the Paralympic silver medallist finished in an amazing 12:20:35.

Parker had previously raced in Kona as a top-class age grouper, almost seven years ago, where she was second in the 25-29 category. Following a bike crash in April 2017, Parker has now come full circle after completing the IRONMAN at the World Championships as a paratriathlete.

Advertisement

From strength to strength

Parker raced at the IRONMAN World Championships in St George in May of this year, her first full-distance event.

And she told us ahead of Kona: “I would like to break my record of 14 hours which I did in St George.”

The Olympian and world champion went way under that time as she became the first Australian women to complete the race in the hand cycle category.

lauren-parker-kona-2022-run-3
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Following the 3.8km swim, the 33-year-old used a hand cycle for the 180km bike, before switching to a push powered racing chair to complete the 42.2km run.

She said it had been her dream to come back to Kona after her accident, and was taken aback by the number of people cheering for her out on the course, stating that “it was unbelievable how many athletes yelled out encouragement to me”.

Following her Kona milestone, Parker is taking a similar approach to two of our favourites for the men’s race on Saturday, as she will be switching her focus to the Paris 2024 summer games just like Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt. Following her stunning display on the Big Island, it’s likely that she’ll find herself with many new fans as she goes for gold in two years time.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
‘The more co-operation the better’ – Challenge Roth chief welcomes IRONMAN CEO’s visit
joe-skipper-kona-2022-bike
Joe Skipper says his Challenge Roth experience proves just how high the bar now is in triathlon
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...